Freddie Freeman is preparing for a heartfelt return to Atlanta as the starting first baseman for the National League in the upcoming All-Star Game. After spending the first 12 seasons of his MLB career with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman has spent the last four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but his connection to Atlanta remains strong.

Freeman expects the occasion to be emotional, as he has experienced warm receptions in Atlanta during previous returns. He said the fans’ support has been a meaningful part of his visits and hinted that this All-Star Game visit will be no different.

Now that I’m here, I think it’s going to be special,

Freeman said before the Home Run Derby.

For the last four years, every time I come back, the fans, they’ve given me such great big, standing ovations, so I don’t expect anything.

I’m just happy to be back and play in front of these fans again. So if they give me one, believe me, I’ll take it all in. I think you guys know, whatever I feel on the field, I let it come out. So we’ll see what happens tomorrow.

Max Fried Returns to Atlanta Amid Yankees Transition

Max Fried, now a standout pitcher for the New York Yankees, is also making his return to Atlanta after eight seasons with the Braves. Fried leads the American League and is tied for the Major League Baseball lead with 11 wins this season, marking a strong start with his new team.

Despite being included in the All-Star roster, Fried is unable to participate in the game due to a blister on his left index finger. He was replaced on the roster by Yankees teammate Carlos Rodón but remains involved in All-Star Week festivities held in Atlanta.

Fried signed an eight-year contract worth $218 million with the Yankees in December, leaving Atlanta behind but maintaining ties to the city with a home there. The Yankees are expected to face the Braves soon, with Fried likely to start in the series following the All-Star break.

Freeman Praises Fried’s Success in New York

Freeman expressed his happiness for Fried’s new contract and his continued success with the Yankees. He acknowledged Fried’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in a spotlight as intense as New York.

I think we all know Max and how wonderful a person he is,

Freeman said.

And to see him get that contract rightfully, he deserves. He’s, you know, a big-game pitcher pitching on the biggest stage. … And it’s really hard in your first year of a new contract, new team. … And for him to go out there and have (success), it’s awesome. Especially in pinstripes in the Bronx, when there’s a lot of pressure on you.

Dodgers Manager Highlights Freeman’s Anticipation for Atlanta Return

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on how much Freeman’s return to Atlanta means to him. From the moment the All-Star Game was announced to be held in Atlanta, Freeman marked his calendar with the hope of playing in front of Braves fans one more time.

It’s something that I know once they announced that it was going to be held here, it was marked on his calendar,

Roberts said.

And then that was kind of his goal, was to get back here and get in front of the Braves’ faithful that cheered him on for, what, 11, 12 years. So he’s sleeping in his own bed for a couple nights.

Freeman Enjoys Reconnecting with Atlanta and Braves Community

During his visit, Freeman reconnected with Braves manager Brian Snitker and several former teammates but focused most on his bond with Atlanta fans. He emphasized how meaningful the city and its supporters remain to him after many memorable years there.

I think every time I come back, I try to portray what Atlanta means to me. Oh, it’s special every time I come back and the receptions they’ve given me the last four years. So I spent a lot of wonderful years here. … I’m excited to be back.

Significance of These Returns for Atlanta and MLB

Max Fried’s and Freddie Freeman’s returns to Atlanta underscore the lasting connections players maintain with the cities where they built their reputations. Both athletes serve as reminders of the Braves’ legacy as they now excel with new teams. Their presence at the All-Star festivities highlights the continuing impact of Atlanta’s baseball community within Major League Baseball.

Freeman’s emotional homecoming and Fried’s promising start in New York suggest the intertwined careers of these former teammates will continue to entertain fans. The upcoming series between the Yankees and Braves provides a highly anticipated matchup that could further showcase their evolving legacies.